Gas distribution device with controlled pressure relief

ABSTRACT

A gas distribution device for a paintball marker includes an exhaust hole for venting pressurized gas from the device and associated plumbing. The exhaust hole is axially located to be uncovered after the valve pin of the compressed gas cylinder is released. A controlled venting of pressurized portions of the gas distribution device and plumbing is effected without cycling the paintball marker or removing the gas cylinder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to devices for distributing compressed gas from high pressure gas reservoirs, and more particularly to an arrangement for relieving pressure in such devices prior to disconnection of the high pressure gas reservoir.

2. Description of the Related Art

Gas powered projectile launching devices used in the game of paintball are well known. These gas powered devices (otherwise known as paintball markers) employ portable compressed gas cylinders to supply the necessary pneumatic power. The compressed gas is most commonly compressed air or compressed carbon dioxide. Increasing the amount of compressed gas that can be connected to a paintball player's marker has been the object of much development in the field of paintball markers.

One recent trend is toward the use of very high pressure compressed gas cylinders. These cylinders increase the quantity of available compressed gas by storing the gas at pressures in the range of 4,500 to 5,500 p.s.i. These very high-pressure gas storage cylinders typically include a first regulator built into the cylinder, which releases gas from the cylinder at a pressure of approximately 800 p.s.i. Gas at this pressure is fed through a distribution device and associated plumbing to a second regulator on the marker where the pressure is further reduced to a range of between 50 and 100 p.s.i. for use by the marker. The very high pressure storage cylinder typically includes a threaded coupling which is threadably received by the device for distributing pressurized gas from the cylinder to the regulator attached to the paintball marker. These distribution devices typically include a control knob attached to a threaded shaft that allows axial manipulation of a pin for depressing a valve pin on the compressed gas cylinder. When the compressed gas cylinder is threadably coupled to the gas distribution device, the control knob is rotated such that the pin is axially moved toward the gas cylinder. The pin depresses the cylinder valve pin and releases compressed gas from the cylinder into the distribution device which communicates with passages and tubes leading to the regulator of the paintball marker. When the cylinder valve pin is depressed, the internal passages of the distribution device and the tubes leading to the paintball marker are pressurized at approximately 800 p.s.i.

When the paintball marker is not being used, it is desirable to remove the compressed gas cylinder from the paintball marker so that it may be stored and/or refilled. Commonly, the compressed gas cylinder is not completely exhausted and therefore the gas distribution device and associated plumbing are filled with compressed gas at approximately 800 p.s.i. This is true even after the control knob has been rotated to withdraw the pin away from the compressed gas cylinder and release the valve pin of the cylinder shutting off flow from the cylinder to the gas distribution device and associated plumbing. The pressure in the distribution device and plumbing complicates removal of the compressed gas cylinder by exerting pressure on the threads of the cylinder/device coupling. This pressure increases the difficulty of the unthreading the cylinder from the coupling. Further, the compressed gas in the device and associated plumbing presents the hazard of explosive release of the cylinder from the coupling. Such explosive release can harm the user and/or damage the costly and fragile gas reservoir.

Thus, it is necessary to relieve pressure in the gas distribution device and associated plumbing prior to removal of the compressed gas cylinder. This has been accomplished by cycling the paintball marker several times after shutting off gas flow from the cylinder. As a safety feature, the coupling of the distribution device may be provided with a vent hole positioned to vent pressure from the distribution device before the threaded connection between the reservoir in the coupling is completely released. The vent prevents the explosive release of gas during removal of the reservoir from the coupling.

There is a need in the art for a gas distribution device that enhances the convenience and safety of removing a high-pressure gas reservoir from a paintball marker.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the invention is a gas distribution device including an exhaust hole that is uncovered by backing off the control knob to bleed pressurized gas from the distribution device and the associated plumbing. The improved gas distribution device provides a simple, safe and convenient means of controlled pressure relief without cycling the marker or removing the compressed gas cylinder. According to aspects of the present invention, the distribution device includes a coupler configured to receive and mate with a compressed gas cylinder. The device defines a high-pressure chamber having at least one pressure port for distributing pressurized gas to the paintball marker or other pneumatic equipment. The device includes a control knob attached to a threaded shaft which is threadably engaged in an end of the device opposite the coupling. The shaft extends to a pin configured and positioned for depressing and releasing the valve pin of the compressed gas cylinder. Rotation of the control knob in a first direction moves the pin toward the cylinder to depress the valve pin and pressurize the system. Rotation of the control knob in a second direction withdraws the pin away from the cylinder, releasing the valve pin and shutting off gas flow.

A feature of the present invention relates to an unthreaded portion of the bore in which the actuator travels. The shaft of the actuator is provided with a circumferential groove and a seal compressed between the shaft and the inside surface of the unthreaded portion of the bore. The exhaust hole communicates with the actuator travel portion of the bore at an axial position selected to facilitate venting of gas from the device after the valve pin of the compressed gas cylinder has been released. The control knob is rotated in the second direction to release the valve pin and shut off flow of gas from the reservoir. To vent the system the user simply continues rotating the control knob in the second direction until the seal on the shaft axially uncovers the exhaust hole. Pressurized gas from the distribution device and associated plumbing is released in a controlled manner through the exhaust hole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatically operated device for launching a projectile operatively connected to a gas distribution device according to aspects of the present invention in an “on” or pressurized condition;

FIG. 2 is the pneumatically operated device for launching a projectile and gas distribution device of FIG. 1 illustrated in the “vented” position; and

FIG. 3 is the gas distribution device of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrated in the “off” but not vented position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A gas distribution device 10 according the aspects of the present invention comprises a body 12 having first and second ends 14, 16 and defining a bore. The bore includes a gas source receiving portion or coupling 18 for removably engaging a compressed gas cylinder 20. A high pressure portion 22 of the bore communicates with the coupling 18 and includes at least one high pressure port 24 for distributing pressurized gas to the paintball marker 30. An actuator travel portion 26 of the bore communicates with the high-pressure chamber 22 and extends between the chamber and the second end 16 of the body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator travel portion 26 includes a threaded portion 27 and an unthreaded portion 28. An actuator 32 extends from a control knob 34 to a pin 36. The control knob 34 and pin 36 are connected to a shaft 38 that is at least partially threaded for engagement with the threaded portion 27 of the actuator travel bore 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 38 is provided with a circumferential groove 40 in which is lodged a seal 42. The seal 42 is compressed between the shaft 38 and the unthreaded portion 28 of the actuator travel bore 26 to prevent gaseous communication between the high-pressure chamber 22 and the exhaust hole 44. The exhaust hole 44 is axially positioned such that when the actuator 32 is in the position shown in FIG. 1, the seal 42 is between the pressurized portions (22, 24, 28) of the gas distribution device 10 and the exhaust hole 44. Counter rotation of the control knob 34 withdraws the pin 36 of the actuator away from the gas cylinder to release the valve pin 46 of the gas cylinder 20 and shut off flow of pressurized gas as shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the flow of pressurized gas from the reservoir is shut off, but the pressurized portions (22, 24, 28) of the gas distribution device 10 and associated plumbing have not yet been vented. FIG. 2 illustrates the actuator 32 in the vent position. The vent position is achieved by counter rotation of the control knob 32 from the “off” position shown in FIG. 3. The vent position permits a controlled release of pressure from the gas distribution device 10 and associated plumbing without cycling the paintball marker 30 or removing the compressed gas cylinder 20.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a basic use environment for a gas distribution device 10 according to aspects of the present invention. A paintball marker 20 is schematically shown. The paintball marker 20 employs compressed gas and electro-pneumatic or mechanical valves (not shown) to propel a paintball 48 out of a barrel 50. The type of marker and its function do not form any part of the present invention. The paintball marker 20 is typically equipped with an on board regulator 52 which reduces the pressure of gas fed to the marker to a level compatible with the internal mechanism of the marker. Plumbing, usually in the form of tubing 54 extends between the gas distribution device 10 and the regulator 52 of the paintball marker. The tubing 54 is connected to a high-pressure port 24 of the gas distribution device. A compressed gas cylinder 20 is partially shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The compressed gas cylinder 20 typically includes an internal regulator 56 for limiting the pressure of gas released from the cylinder. The cylinder 20 also includes a valve 58 with a valve pin 46 which when releases gas from the cylinder when depressed. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 the coupler 18 of the gas distribution device is configured to threadably mate with the gas cylinder 20. The coupling end 60 of the cylinder includes a circumferential groove and seal 62.

While a preferred embodiment of the foregoing invention has been set forth for purposes of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed a limitation of the invention herein. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. 

1. A device adapted for attachment to a source of compressed gas to effect a controlled release and distribution of gas from the source, the source of compressed gas including a valve actuatable to open a flow path for the compressed gas, said device comprising: a body defining: a coupling for establishing a sealed connection between said device and the source of compressed gas; a pressure chamber for receiving compressed gas, said pressure chamber including at least one distribution port; and an exhaust hole communicating between said pressure chamber and an ambient atmosphere; and an actuator secured to and movable relative to said body between an on position in which to the valve is actuated to open the flow path for the compressed gas to pressurize said pressure chamber and a vent position in which the valve is released to close the flow path, said actuator including a seal member that sealingly separates said exhaust hole from said pressure chamber when said actuator is in the on position and permits communication between said exhaust hole and said pressure chamber when said actuator is in the vent position.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said actuator includes a knob, a shaft secured to said knob for rotation therewith, a pin extending from said shaft and a seal surrounding said shaft intermediate said knob and said pin, said seal radially compressed between said shaft and said body to separate said pressure chamber from said exhaust hole when said actuator is in the on position.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said actuator has a range of movement between said on position and said vent position including an off position in which said valve has been released but said exhaust hole remains sealingly separated from said pressure chamber.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein said shaft is threadably retained in said body and rotation of said knob in a first direction moves said actuator toward said on position and rotation of said knob in a second direction moves said actuator toward said vent position.
 5. The device of claim 2, wherein said body defines a bore for said shaft, said bore including a threaded portion and an unthreaded sealing surface adjacent said pressure chamber, said seal being seated in a circumferential groove of said shaft and radially compressed against said sealing surface for sliding axial movement relative thereto.
 6. A device adapted for attachment to a source of compressed gas to effect a controlled release of gas from said source, said device comprising: a body having first and second ends and defining a bore, said bore including a gas source receiving portion adjacent said first end, a high pressure portion communicating with said gas source receiving portion and an actuator travel portion adjacent said second end, said actuator travel portion communicating with said high pressure portion and including an exhaust hole at a first axial location between said high pressure portion and said second end, said high pressure portion including at least one high pressure port; and an actuator including a knob, a shaft secured to said knob for rotation therewith, a pin extending from said shaft and a seal surrounding said shaft intermediate said knob and said pin, said actuator retained in said actuator travel portion with said pin directed toward said gas source receiving portion and said seal engaged between said shaft and said body, wherein said actuator is selectively axially moveable from an on position in which said seal is in a second axial position between said exhaust hole and said high pressure portion, to a vent position in which said seal is axially moved toward said second end to allow communication between said high pressure portion and said exhaust hole.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the source of compressed gas includes a valve having a valve pin, which when depressed releases compressed gas from the source of compressed gas and a coupler configured for removably retaining the source of compressed gas to said gas source receiving portion, said pin extending into said gas source receiving portion to depress the valve pin when said actuator is in the on position.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein said actuator has a range of movement between said on position and said vent position including an off position in which said pin has released said valve pin but said seal remains intermediate said high pressure portion and said exhaust hole.
 9. The device of claim 6, wherein said actuator shaft is threadably retained in said actuator travel portion and rotation of said knob in a first direction moves said actuator toward said on position and rotation of said knob in a second direction moves said actuator toward said vent position.
 10. The device of claim 6, wherein said actuator travel portion includes a threaded portion adjacent said second end and an unthreaded sealing surface adjacent said high pressure portion.
 11. In combination with a compressed gas reservoir including a coupler for securing said reservoir to a receptacle and having a gas release valve including a valve pin, which when depressed releases compressed gas from said reservoir; a device adapted for attachment to said reservoir to effect a controlled release of gas from said reservoir, said device comprising: a body having first and second ends and defining a bore, said bore including a receptacle adjacent said first end, a high pressure portion communicating with said receptacle and an actuator travel portion adjacent said second end, said actuator travel portion communicating with said high pressure portion and including an exhaust hole at a first axial location between said high pressure portion and said second end, said high pressure portion including at least one high pressure port; and an actuator including a knob, a shaft secured to said knob for rotation therewith, an actuator pin extending from said shaft and a seal surrounding said shaft intermediate said knob and said actuator pin, said actuator retained in said actuator travel portion with said actuator pin directed toward said gas receiving portion and said seal engaged between said shaft and said body, wherein said actuator is selectively axially moveable from an on position in which said seal is in a second axial position between said exhaust hole and said high pressure portion and said actuator pin extends into said receptacle to depress said valve pin, releasing compressed gas into said high pressure portion, to a vent position in which said actuator pin is moved away from said receptacle to release said valve pin and said seal is axially moved toward said second end to allow communication between said high pressure portion and said exhaust hole to vent compressed gas from said high pressure portion while said coupler is retained in said receptacle.
 12. The combination of claim 11, wherein said actuator shaft is threadably retained in said actuator travel portion and rotation of said knob in a first direction moves said actuator toward said on position and rotation of said knob in a second direction moves said actuator toward said vent position.
 13. The combination of claim 11, wherein said actuator travel portion includes a threaded portion adjacent said second end and an unthreaded sealing surface adjacent said high pressure portion.
 14. The combination of claim 11, wherein said actuator has a range of movement between said on position and said vent position including an off position in which said actuator pin has released said valve pin but said seal remains intermediate said high pressure portion and said exhaust hole.
 15. A pneumatically operated device for launching a projectile comprising: a compressed gas reservoir including a coupler for securing said reservoir to a receptacle and having a gas release valve including a valve pin, which when depressed releases compressed gas from the reservoir; and a device for attachment to said reservoir to effect a controlled release of gas from said reservoir, said device comprising: a body having first and second ends and defining a bore, said bore including a receptacle adjacent said first end, a high pressure portion communicating with said receptacle and an actuator travel portion adjacent said second end, said actuator travel portion communicating with said high pressure portion and including an exhaust hole at a first axial location between said high pressure portion and said second end, said high pressure portion including at least one high pressure port connected to said pneumatically operated device; and an actuator including a knob, a shaft secured to said knob for rotation therewith, an actuator pin extending from said shaft and a seal surrounding said shaft intermediate said knob and said actuator pin, said actuator retained in said actuator travel portion with said actuator pin directed toward said gas receiving portion and said seal engaged between said shaft and said body, wherein said actuator is selectively axially moveable from an on position in which said seal is in a second axial position between said exhaust hole and said high pressure portion and said actuator pin extends into said receptacle to depress said valve pin, releasing compressed gas into said high pressure portion, to a vent position in which said actuator pin is moved away from said receptacle to release said valve pin and said seal is axially moved toward said second end to allow communication between said high pressure portion and said exhaust hole to vent compressed gas from said high pressure portion while said coupler is retained in said receptacle.
 16. The pneumatically operated device for launching a projectile of claim 15, wherein said actuator shaft is threadably retained in said actuator travel portion and rotation of said knob in a first direction moves said actuator toward said on position and rotation of said knob in a second direction moves said actuator toward said vent position.
 17. The pneumatically operated device for launching a projectile of claim 15, wherein said actuator travel portion includes a threaded portion adjacent said second end and an unthreaded sealing surface adjacent said high pressure portion.
 18. The pneumatically operated device for launching a projectile of claim 15, wherein said actuator has a range of movement between said on position and said vent position including an off position in which said actuator pin has released said valve pin but said seal remains intermediate said high pressure portion and said exhaust hole. 